July 2018
Assessment of morphological characteristics among upland rice (Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima) germplasm
Rice is an important staple food crop that feeds over half of the global population and has become the cereal that provides a major source of calories for the urban and rural poor in Africa. This work aimed to evaluate the morphological of rice (Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima) germplasm. In the present study, 14 quantitative traits were used across 48 accessions or genotypes obtained from Central Agricultural...
July 2018
Potential evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from alcoholic fermentation of mango pulp
The fermentation characteristics of different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from sugar cane musts for the production of cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane spirit) and from beer musts were analyzed based on the kinetic parameters of alcoholic fermentation in mango pulp. The commercial pressed baker’s yeast was used as a standard inoculum. The results show that the yeast strains tested from sugar...
July 2018
Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Mucuna sloanei (Fabaceae) on body weight and some biochemical parameters of Rattus novergicus
Mucuna sloanei is an annual leguminous plant widely used among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. The effects of aqueous M. sloanei seed extract on the body weight and some biochemical parameters of 48 normal male Rattus novergicus (albino rats) were investigated for 28 days. The rats were divided into control group (A) which received distilled water and treatment groups (B, C and D) that received oral administration...
July 2018
Effect of seasonal variations on the yield of essential oil and antioxidant of Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk) Sch. Bip
Temperature stress is becoming the major concern for plant scientists worldwide due to climate change. Temperature stress has devastating effects on plant growth and metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of climatic seasonal change on the yield and composition of essential oil of the plant, Achillea fragrantissima. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) used to analyze the essential...
July 2018
Phytochemical profile and biological activities of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae): A review
This study discusses the bioactive composition, supercritical fluid extraction and biological activities of Momordica charantia L. from the last five years. Numerous compounds that have been identified in the extracts of M. charantia, including phytosterols, terpenoids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids were also discussed. Although, several studies reported the use of organic solvents in...
July 2018
Enhancement of somaclonal variations and genetic diversity using graphite nanoparticles (GtNPs) in sweet potato plants
To assay the efficiency of graphite nanoparticles (GtNPs) in sterilizing tissues and their role in enhancing genetic diversity, sweet potato is considered an important crop; hence its explants were used. In this experiment, GtNPs of 200, 400 and 800 ppm concentrations were used for sterilization of MS callus induction and regeneration media in Abees cultivar. The results showed that GtNPs had a good potential for...
July 2018
Comparative evaluation of the physicochemical and pasting properties of flour from three varieties of Brachystegia spp.
The chemical compositions, functional and pasting properties of flour from three varieties of Brachystegia spp. (Brachystegia eurycoma, Brachystegia nigerica and Brachystegia kennedy) were studied. Results show that the chemical compositions of flour samples ranged from12.31 to 12.67% (protein), 1.66 to 1.72% (crude fiber), 2.06 to 2.39% (ash), 7.18 to 8.45% (fat), 3.85 to 4.75% (sugar) and 58.45 to 59.62% (starch)....
July 2018
Molecular diagnosis of phytoplasma transmission from zygotic embryos to in vitro regenerated plants of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.)
The aim of this study was to investigate the transmission of the lethal yellowing disease (LYD) of coconut tree caused by a phytoplasma from the zygotic embryo to the regenerated plantlet in vitro. From a total of 30 trees, 150 mature coconut nuts where harvested. These nuts were used to extract 150 zygotic embryos. From this package, 96 zygotic embryos were used to regenerate 96 young coconut seedlings in vitro and the...
July 2018
Antimicrobial activity of metabolites extracted from Zanthoxylum gilletii, Markhamia lutea and their endophytic fungi against common bean bacterial pathogens
Antibacterial activity of extracts of Zanthoxylum gilletii, Markhamia lutea and their fungal endophytes were evaluated against bacterial pathogens of common bean: Xanthomonus axonopodis pv. phaseoli and Pseudomonus syringae pv. phaseolicola. The leaves of both plants were dried under shade, ground to fine powder and extracted using methanol. The methanol extracts were fractionated sequentially using ethylacetate and...
June 2018
Activation of TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway and production of diverse cytokines in the incidence and development of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common saprophytic fungus in the air. It can cause a severe infectious disease called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). To establish the activation of TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) model of wild type mouse, three groups of mouse were used in the study; the normal mice; mice infected with A. fumigatus conidia; IPA mouse infected with A....
June 2018
Bio-prospecting of macro-algae for potential industrial dyes
Synthetic dyes have been used for different purposes in various fields, but their continued usage has presented both environmental and health challenges. Therefore, alternative safer dye sources are inevitable. Algae have different pigments with potential for exploitation and usage in different socio-economic sectors. The aim of this study was to bio prospect dyes from macro-algal species of the Indian Ocean marine...
June 2018
Diversity and genetic identity of pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] in Tanzania based on microsatellite markers
Pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] is an important fruit crop cultivated in Tanzania. However, the knowledge on genetic diversity of the pineapple cultivars grown in Tanzania is limited. This study was aimed at determining the genetic diversity and identity of pineapple cultivars from different growing regions in Tanzania using microsatellite markers also known as simple sequence repeat marker (SSR). Ten of the 18...
June 2018
Alternative markers linked to the Phg-2 angular leaf spot resistance locus in common bean using the Phaseolus genes marker database
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and micronutrients and is an important crop for food security throughout Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Among tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where the majority of beans are grown, yield losses due to the pathogenic fungus Pseudocercospora griseola, causing angular leaf spot (ALS), can be as high as 80%. The strategic use of...
June 2018
Studies on styrene concentration in drinking water and hot beverages in some settings
Water bottles and cups composed of polystyrene also contain non-polymerized styrene. Styrene’s toxicological profile is associated with several health issues for humans. Mainly, the central and peripheral nervous systems are highly disturbed by styrene ingestion. Styrene is also considered to be a carcinogenic agent and has been linked to cancer. The HPLC method was validated through prepared QC samples. The HPLC...
June 2018
Microsatellites markers associated with resistance to flower bud thrips in a cowpea F2 population derived from genotypes TVU-123 and WC36
Breeding for resistance to flower bud thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti) in cowpea has been hindered by the quantitative nature of resistance. To identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with resistance to flower bud thrips that could be used for marker-assisted breeding, a F2 population was generated from a cross between genotypes TVU-123 (resistant) and WC36 (susceptible). The population was evaluated...
June 2018
Cost effective medium for in vitro propagation of Tanzanian cassava landraces
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food for over 800 million people in the tropics. However, its production is constrained by an inadequate supply of clean planting materials. Tissue culture carried out in laboratories is one established method for the mass production of clean planting materials. However, the cost of conventional tissue culture is high and the cassava industry would benefit from an...
June 2018
Morphological variability and molecular characterisation of thirty soybean genotypes using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers
The genetic and morphological diversity of soybean germplasms was studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers and morphological traits such as plant height, height of cotyledon leaves, basal leaf length, basal leaf width, basal leaf area, terminal leaflets number, terminal leaflet length, terminal leaflet width, terminal leaflet area and basal leaf petiole length. A total of 30 germplasms were...
June 2018
Surface plasmon resonance and antimicrobial properties of novel silver nanoparticles prepared from some indigenous plants in Uyo, Nigeria
Synthesis of nanoparticles was done by green method. Aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Telferia occidentalis and Lasianthera africana were used as the model vegetables. Silver nitrate was used as the silver precursor, while the plant extracts served as the reducing agents and Xanthan gum (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00% w/v) was introduced as stabilizing agents. Twelve batches of silver nanoparticles were synthesized:...
June 2018
Identification and genetic diversity of Jordanian potato soft rot isolates, Pectobacterium carotovorum subspecies carotovorum (DYE 1969)
Bacterial soft rot disease is one of the most important factors affecting potato production in Jordan. Based on biochemical and physiological analyses, Jordanian isolates of soft rot from potato were identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subspecies carotovorum (DYE 1969). Phylogenetic analysis using pmrA gene sequence data showed that isolates from different regions were closely related to each other, whereas little...
June 2018
Studies on enhanced African black soap from Theobroma cacao (cocoa) and Elaeis guineensis (palm kernel oil)
The indigenous African organic soap is formed by saponification. Using the local and ancient method, with slight modifications, palm kernel oil (Elaeis guineensis) and the filtrate of burnt cocoa pod ash (Theobroma cacao) were used to prepare African black soap (C11H23COO-K+). The prepared black soap was thereafter divided into five parts. Part A was the control without additives, while parts B, C and D were enhanced...
June 2018
Production of single cell protein (SCP) and essentials amino acids from Candida utilis FMJ12 by solid state fermentation using mango waste supplemented with nitrogen sources
In Burkina Faso, deficiency of amino acids in protein is becoming a major healthy public problem. This study was purposed to optimize essentials amino acids in single cell protein (SCP) by supplementing different nitrogen sources during fermentation of mango waste with Candida utilis FJM12. Analytical methods were used to determine biomass yield, chemical composition and amino acids profile of SCP. The principal...
June 2018
Development and validation of analytical methodology for quantification of total flavonoids of Morus nigra by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrophotometry
Morus nigra L. is known in the region of Brazilian São Francisco Valley as "amora-miúra". It is widely used in traditional medicine, mainly in treatment of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular problems, obesity and gout. This study proposed to develop and validate a fast, simple, efficient and low cost analytical method that could quantify total flavonoid content present in crude...
June 2018
Phenotypic characterization and symbiotic effectiveness test of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) rhizobia isolated from Dejen and Aneded Districts, East Gojjam Zone, Amahara Region, Ethiopia
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important leguminous crop grown in different parts of Ethiopia. It is a nutritionally valued and N2-fixing legume which forms a symbiotic association with Mesorhizobium. This study was conducted to characterize and evaluate symbiotic efficacy of chickpea rhizobia isolated from soil samples collected from the study area. Seventeen chickpea rhizobia were isolated by soil host plant trap...
May 2018
Screening for total antioxidant activity, flavonoids and phenolics variability in forty-five accessions of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)
Build-up of free radicals in the human body can cause oxidative stress which may invariably lead to degenerative diseases and eventual death. Antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to protect the body against the damaging effects of these free radicals. Roselle contains high amounts of antioxidants and its leaves are often used for sauces or in herbal preparations...
May 2018
Isolation and screening of antibiotic producing actinomycetes from rhizosphere and agricultural soils
Antibiotics are secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms. Actinomycetes are the top producers of antibiotics. The study was designed to isolate and screen antibiotic producing actinomycetes obtained from rhizosphere of plants and agricultural soils. A total of 30 actinomycetes were isolated. Out of the 30 actinomycetes, 18 (60%) showed antimicrobial activities against one of the tested microorganisms of which 9...
May 2018
Efficient plant regeneration protocol for finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] via somatic embryogenesis
In the present study, an efficient protocol for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration was established in six finger millet varieties (GBK-043137, GBK-043128, GBK-043124, GBK-043122, GBK-043094 and GBK-043050). Shoot tips from 3 days in vitro grown plants were inoculated on MS supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D),...
May 2018
Marine killer yeast Metschnikowia saccharicola active against pathogenic yeast in crab and an optimization of the toxin production
A marine yeast strain, DD21-2 was isolated from sediments in Dandong, China, which has killer activity against yeast Metschnikowia bicuspidata WCY (pathogenic to crab, Portunus trituberculatus). Routine identification, sequence analysis of 26S rDNA and ITS sequencing showed that the strain was M. saccharicola DD21-2, and has not been previously reported as having killer activity against M. bicuspidata WCY. To optimize...
May 2018
Molecular evidence of Helicobacter suis infection in pigs in Nigeria
Helicobacter suis mainly colonizes the stomach of pigs and occasionally infects humans. It is a prevalent cause of gastritis and gastric ulcers in both species. This study was designed to determine the colonization rate of H. suis in the stomach of pigs in Nigeria. Pig slaughter house surveys were conducted and stomach mucosa samples were collected from the fundus of the stomach of a total of 160 pigs in four locations...
May 2018
Interrelationships of quantitative traits and genetic variability of Desi type chickpea genotypes as revealed by agro-morphology and inter simple sequence repeat markers
Plant breeders need to stay alert in developing new cultivars on a steady basis to respond to the need of ever increasing human population by exploring either natural variability present in germplasms or generating new variability. Field experiment was conducted at five locations of Western Ethiopia during the 2016/2017 main cropping season to study interrelationships and genetic variability present in Desi type...
May 2018
Light quality and plant growth regulators influence pigment production in Alternanthera brasiliana calli
Alternanthera brasiliana is a medicinal plant with several popular use and high production of betalains. The aim of the present research was to establish a protocol for callus induction and betalain biosynthesis in A. brasiliana species, as well as to investigate the effect of different qualities of light in increasing betalain in A. brasiliana callus cultures. In this way, the callus initiation and the improvement of...
May 2018
Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to drought tolerant traits in selected Sudanese rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes
Rice growth and productivity are affected by biotic and abiotic stresses; key among them being drought. Conventional breeding for drought tolerance is slowed down by the complex nature of mechanisms underlying this stress although molecular markers offer a promising approach. Plant exposure to drought stress leads to a significant effect in chlorophyll content and reduction in photosynthesis. In this study, 23 Sudanese...
May 2018
Effects of ethanolic extract of Waltheria indica aerial parts on some liver and kidney function indices in albino rats
This study evaluated the toxicological effects of chronic treatment with ethanolic extract of Waltheria indica aerial portion on body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters in albino rats using standard methods. Rats treated with 400 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day of the extract showed no behavioural changes. However, there was general reduction of activity in rats given 800 and 1,600 mg/kg bw/day of the extract....
May 2018
Presence of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) gene in cereals and cereal-based products in local markets and supermarkets of Yaoundé, Cameroon
The use and importation of genetically modified (GM) crops and products derived from these crops are regulated by national and international policies, which unfortunately are often not properly implemented in some countries. Given the ongoing globalization of trade and increasing availability of GM plant products, countries like Cameroon with a weak system to regulate the importation of these products face the threat of...
May 2018
Azospirillum spp. potential for maize growth and yield
The importance of biotechnology involved in the availability of nutrients to plants in different production systems is well known. In the search for agricultural sustainability, biological nitrogen fixation process stands out, especially in tropical regions where soil organic matter can be rapidly mineralized. In this aspect, researches have pointed out the potentialities of the use of diazotrophic bacteria, as well as...
May 2018
Propagation of Pecan (Carya illinoensis): A review
The Pecan (Carya illinoensis) is the most important species that belongs to the Carya genus. It is cultivated mainly for its nut, which is rich in oils and proteins, and for its good quality wood. Pecan is conventionally propagated by budding or grafting onto rootstocks obtained by open pollination. However, these techniques are not very efficient due to low propagation rates, poor survival and difficult establishment....
May 2018
Development of in vitro propagation protocol for some recalcitrant cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes in Sierra Leone
A study on rapid propagation of cassava through tissue culture was conducted with three elite cassava genotypes: Slicass 6, Slicass 11 and Cocoa from Sierra-Leone. They showed slow growth in Murashige & Skoog (MS) basal medium which was proven to be optimal for a vast number of cassava accessions. Prior to mutation induction, a large population needs to be produced for mutagen susceptibility test and for mutant...
May 2018
Genetic diversity and relatedness of oil palm progenies determined by microsatellite and agronomic markers
Genetic diversity in oil palm has been usually determined using agro-morphological markers (traits) before the advent of DNA-based markers including microsatellite markers, which have the advantage of being environmentally independent. The current study aimed to compare genetic diversity and relationships among 10 Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) dura × tenera oil palm progenies using simple...
April 2018
Actinomycetes bioactive compounds: Biological control of fungi and phytopathogenic insect
Actinomycetes are aerobic and gram-positive spore forming bacteria. They belong to the order actinomycetales and are characterized by substrates and aerial mycelium growth. They are the most abundant microorganisms in soil. They play important roles in the cycling of organic matter and inhibit the growth of several plant pathogens in the rhizosphere. Due to the presence of enzymes such as proteases and chitinase,...
April 2018
Expression and purification of human IL-2 protein from Escherichia coli
Human interleukin 2 protein (IL-2) is an important cytokine found to be elevated in several types of cancer. A synthetic DNA sequence of the cDNA of mature IL-2 protein was cloned into the pRSET-B expression vector. The expressed IL-2 protein in Escherichia coli [BL21] was associated with the formation of insoluble inclusion bodies (IBs). The effect of different cultivation conditions (temperature,...
April 2018
Vitamin C, iron and zinc levels of selected African green leafy vegetables at different stages of maturity
Nutrient level at harvest of vegetables is an important aspect in the efforts to combat food and nutrition insecurity in developing countries. However information on the nutrient levels at different maturity stages of most indigenous African green leafy vegetables is scanty. This study was undertaken to determine the levels of vitamin C, iron and zinc in Amaranthus cruentus, Cleome gynandra and Solanum villosum at...
April 2018
Adaptation of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas) (L.) Lam] genotypes in various agro-ecological zones of Malawi
Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas) (L.) Lam] is grown by small holder farmers across a wide range of environments in Malawi. A multi-location trial of eight genotypes for three seasons at six research stations was undertaken using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model analysis to determine the genotypes’ stability and influence of genotype × environment interactions (GEI) on storage...
April 2018
Assessment of plantain (Musa sapientum L.) accessions genotypic groups relatedness using simple sequence repeats markers
Plantains are important sources of high-calorie energy in Ghana. They are also of great socio-economic importance in the country, and very important sources of rural income. Although several species exist all over the world, plantains belonging to the AAB group are unique to West Africa and Ghanaian collections have unique features and peculiar taste. Morphological and biochemical characterization are the popular...
April 2018
ELISA, RT-PCR, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and sequencing methods for investigating an epidemic FMD virus serotype O outbreaks
This study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of non-structure protein for foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) and identify FMDV serotypes. A total of 3600 serum samples (1080 buffaloes and 2520 cattle) were collected randomly from different breeds, age, and sex at El Beheira, El Dakahlia, and El Giza. Nonstructure protein of FMDV was detected in 41 of 1080 (3.8%) Buffalo and 185 of 2520 (7.3%) cattle....
April 2018
In vitro somatic embryogenesis and regeneration potential of two potato varieties in Uganda
In vitro somatic embryogenesis and regeneration are important techniques for crop improvement and mass propagation. This study was conducted to establish and optimize a regeneration system for agronomically important potato cultivars (‘Victoria’ and ‘Rutuku’) of Solanum tuberosum L. in Uganda. Completely randomized design experiments were set up at Bioscience East and Central Africa (BecA) Tissue...
April 2018
Enzymatic activity and elicitor of phytoalexins of Lippia sidoides Cham. and endophytic fungi
Secondary metabolites may play a number of roles, among them, is the activation of plant defense mechanisms, such as phytoalexins and the synthesis of antioxidative enzymes. This study aimed to test the eliciting activity of phytoalexins of Lippia sidoides Cham. and six endophytic fungi associated with it and to verify the synthesis of the enzymes, as a response to the antioxidative and antifungal system. The assays...
April 2018
Rice (Oryza sativa) breeding strategies for grain biofortification
Biofortification is a process in which plant species are improved in order to raise the nutritional content of the product consumed. The following are some of the main techniques that can be introduced in plant breeding programs in order to improve the nutritional quality of the food to be produced. The rice breeding for higher Fe and Zn content in grain, rice breeding for higher β-carotene content in the grain,...
April 2018
Preventive effect of black rice antioxidant extract on oxidative stress induced by ethyl alcohol
The present study investigated the black rice ethanolic extract (BREE) protective effect as natural antioxidants against oxidative stress induced by ethyl alcoholic (EA) in male rats. BREE flavonoids and phenols were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats weighing 170±2 g, the animals divided into 4 equal groups. The first group was given...
April 2018
Production and purification of extracellular pullulanase by Klebsilla aerogenes NCIM 2239
The present study was carried out to optimize the production of pullulanase from Klebsilla aerogenes NCIM 2239, a new strain of the bacterium. The organism was screened for its ability to synthesize and secrete extracellular pullulanase, by analysis of pullulan degrading activity. Environmental (pH and temperature) and nutritional (carbon and nitrogen) factors influencing growth and product formation were optimized...
April 2018
Heterosis, heterobeltiosis, narrow-sense and broad-sense heritabilities for Phytophthora megakarya tolerance in two populations of Theobroma cacao L.
A 2x2 diallel mating design was set up to estimate quantitative genetic parameters after leaf artificial inoculation tests in nursery and field for three consecutive years. F12 and F40 families of two reciprocal crosses viz., F12: ♀SCA12 × ♂ICS40 and F40: ♀ICS40 × ♂SCA12 were used to study heterosis (mid-parent), heterobeltiosis (better-parent), heritability (narrow-sense and broad-sense) and to quantify...
March 2018
Energy balance of elephant grass biomass for power generation by direct biomass combustion
In Brazil, elephant grass has been used for thermal energy production, due to the high productivity, energy efficiency, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and biomass quality for energy generation by direct burning. The use of biomass depends mainly on the energy balance and biomass characteristics for energy production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomass of dry matter yield, qualitative biomass variables...
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